What makes a product truly worth specifying? How do you find materials that stand out - not just for their look, but their performance, availability, and feel underfoot?
In this episode of Behind the Design, Camilla Ingall sits down with Artisan Exterior’s co-owner Craig Howard to unpack exactly that. From sourcing standout stone and tile across Europe and beyond, to navigating colour movement in glass mosaics, Craig shares how deep product knowledge and global partnerships shape every decision the brand makes.
The conversation moves from the design studio to the warehouse floor, touching on:
- What to look for when sourcing surface materials across formats and finishes
- How Artisan Exterior blends global sourcing with local warehousing to keep projects moving
- Why seeing, touching, and walking on materials in a bricks-and-mortar studio is still unmatched for decision-making
- How texture, tone variation and pool water interplay in a finished space
Craig also reflects on what makes a material feel ‘right’ and how subtle changes in light, scale and application can transform a surface entirely.
Whether you're an architect, designer or builder, it’s a conversation packed with insights for anyone who specifies hard finishes for a living.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Youtube and discover the detail behind the surfaces.
